Crowding and Spacing Teeth

Crowding of the Teeth

Classification of Teeth Overview

For a brief overview of the classification of teeth, please click on the image below. It will launch our educational module in a separate window that may answer some of your questions about the classifications of teeth.

Crowding is the lack of space for all the teeth to fit normally within the jaws. The teeth may be twisted or displaced. Crowding occurs when there is disharmony in the tooth to jaw size relationship or when the teeth are larger than the available space. Crowding can be caused by improper eruption of teeth and early or late loss of primary teeth. To discuss crowding and the spacing of teeth in the London Ontario area, please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment.

Crowding should be corrected because it can:

prevent proper cleaning of all the surfaces of your teeth

cause dental decay

increase the chances of gum disease

prevent proper functioning of teeth

make your smile less attractive

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How can crowding be orthodontically corrected?

Extra space can be created by expansion of the arches or extraction of teeth. Once space is created, braces will eliminate crowding and align the teeth. Correction of crowding can help prevent dental decay and periodontal disease by improving the ability to remove plaque from the teeth.

Spacing of the Teeth

Spacing (the opposite of crowding), is an excess of space for your teeth which results in gaps between your teeth. This generally occurs when the teeth are smaller than the available space. Spacing can also be caused by protrusive teeth, missing teeth, impacted teeth or abnormal tissue attachments to the gums.

Spacing should be corrected because it can:

result in gum problems due to the lack of protection by the teeth

prevent proper functioning of the teeth

make your smile less attractive

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How can spacing of the teeth be orthodontically corrected?

The spaces can be closed by moving the teeth together and properly aligning them within the arch.